Austrian motorcycle manufacturer Husqvarna Motorcycles is all set to re-enter the on-road motorcycle segment, having unveiled the Vitpilen and Svartpilen concepts at the 2015 EICMA show in Milan. The KTM-owned company is in the process of producing the models, and will likely use India as a production hub for the motorcycles.
KTM plans to initially source engines and components from India in association with Bajaj Auto at Chakan near Pune. The motorcycles will be assembled at its facility in Austria for sale in Europe and the US from 2017. The new bikes are also expected to be launched in India later.
"The focus was previously on off-roaders. Now we are developing on-road models which are partly based on the engine platforms we are doing together with Bajaj," KTM chief executive Stefan Pierer told Economic Times.
Bajaj Autos' Chakan plant in Pune currently serves as a global production hub for the KTM Duke and RC range of motorcycles. Hence it would be easier for KTM to procure engines and components from India. The Husqvarna and KTM motorcycles are expected share platforms for the motorcycles.
The new Husqvarna motorcycles will be powered by 125cc and 390cc engines, which in all probability will use the current KTM engines developed jointly with Bajaj Auto.
"We are getting engines and components for the models from Chakan for assembly in Austria initially. Later on, India could be part of the production plan. It is a step-by-step process," said Pierer.
